Student Shows 2012: Sheffield Hallam University School of Architecture

This school is obviously targeting sustainability. Both the undergraduate and postgraduate courses have an environmental focus. This was strongly evident in the work produced.

There was a clear community focus with many projects based in the school’s locality.

However, in achieving this emphasis on sustainability, the importance of high-quality design appeared to get lost in the process. Some of the work lacked depth and complexity.

The show bore more of a resemblance to a final review pin-up than a curated exhibition, with the work spread across the atrium of one of the main university buildings.

It was commendable that the school made the decision to give each student an equal amount of space to show their work. However, this did not always create the most interesting and inspiring display.

Standout unit:

The architecture course here is not taught in units. But the best year was the final Part II, where students appeared to have significantly improved in their work, creating some impressive visuals.

Standout student:

Leo Palmer won the school’s HLM Sustainability Award. His project was a community theatre for the village of Holmfirth in Yorkshire. Drawings were atmospheric, and his project displayed an understanding of the vital needs and vernacular traditions of the local community.

Subscribe to the AJ

The Architects’ Journal is the UK’s best-selling weekly architecture magazine and is the voice of architecture in Britain

About the Architects' Journal

The Architects' Journal is the voice of architecture in Britain. We sit at the heart of the debate about British architecture and British cities, and form opinions across the whole construction industry on design-related matters